Final Report on Reading Factory Explosion Released
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recently released its final report on the devastating explosion that occurred on March 24, 2023, at the R.M. Palmer Company chocolate factory in West Reading, Pennsylvania. The findings, as reported in The Philadelphia Inquirer, point to serious infrastructure failures and systemic safety oversights.
The blast tragically claimed the lives of seven individuals, injured ten others, and displaced three families from a neighboring apartment building. Property damage was estimated at $42 million. According to the NTSB report, the explosion was likely caused by a natural gas leak from a degraded plastic pipe fitting. This fitting had corroded over time, most likely due to elevated ground temperatures caused by a nearby corroded steam pipe. The leaking gas eventually ignited (though the exact ignition source remains unknown), triggering the catastrophic blast.
One of the most alarming findings, according to the report, was the lack of oversight and awareness regarding the deteriorating infrastructure. There were no systems in place to evaluate the condition of plastic gas fittings or to identify and monitor corrosion-related risks. Employees at the factory reported smelling gas leading up to the explosion, yet evacuation protocols were unclear or poorly communicated.
The NTSB findings included a series of strong recommendations aimed at preventing future tragedies:
- Inventory and Assessment: UGI Utilities, the natural gas provider, was urged to conduct a full inventory of its plastic gas line assets to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
- Improved Communication: The report called for better communication practices between utility companies, emergency responders, and facility personnel.
- Policy Reform: The NTSB also recommended that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania review its laws to enable better cooperation with federal investigators. During this investigation, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission allegedly withheld critical information, forcing the NTSB to seek access through legal channels—delaying progress and potentially compromising public safety.
If you or someone you love was hurt in an accident involving negligence and you are looking for a top Philadelphia injury explosion injury attorney to represent you, we are here to help. Contact us today to meet and discuss your legal options.